Surface resistivity for assessing the chloride transport through ultra-high-performance concrete

Abstract

In this study, surface resistivity of the non-proprietary ultra-high-performance concretes (UHPCs) using traditional aggregates were evaluated. Four plain UHPCs were batched using various cementitious materials at a constant water-to-cementitious materials ratio of 0.21 with an aggregate-to-cementitious materials ratio of 1.20. The 28-day surface-resistivity was measured for a duration of 60 minutes (10 minutes intervals). The influence of testing time on surface resistivity of the studied UHPCs was also examined. The results of this study highlighted that surface resistivity of UHPC could be used with confidence to assess its chloride penetration resistance. The outcome of the study also revealed that the binary blend UHPC containing silica fume, as a partial replacement of Portland cement, displayed the highest surface resistivity, lowest chloride ion penetration, and highest compressive strength amongst the studied UHPCs. Time of testing had a minor effect on surface-resistivity of the studied UHPCs.